Simple and natural ways of hygiene

Every year I experience an autumn-induced form of nesting, when the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter. Unlike the hormonal during pregnancy, this one is less about the alphabet of the contents of the freezer and more about filling the house with everything soft, warm and cozy (and preferably also smelling of pumpkin!).

It turns out I’m not alone. The Danes have long promoted this with their concept of fun. There are entire books, magazines and websites dedicated to the idea. But let’s get real … I don’t see too many pictures of homes full of children, diapers and lego!

Still, I think there should be, and these are some of my favorite real and natural ways to “hygiene” at this time of year.

What is Hygge?

According to the Institute for the Study of Happiness in Copenhagen, Danes are the happiest group of people in the world. Given that the Scandinavian countries are one of the coldest countries (with low light in winter), this is a bit surprising. Experts believe that one of the causes of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is the weaker light in winter. But for Danes, low light in winter does not seem to cause these problems. This may be due to their way of life to enjoy simple things or to enjoy.

Hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”) simply means creating a feeling of coziness, cohesion and well-being. While this may sound idealistic, small touches can go a long way and can be highly motivating.

Natural ways of hygiene (in real life)

Creating a sense of hygiene should not take much time, effort or money. These are some of my favorite ways to add a touch of natural comfort (and light) at home.

Add softness

Creating a more comfortable place to relax can have a huge impact on your mood, the mood of your family and the overall feeling of your home. This does not mean that you have to buy a new sofa!

• Pillows – Pillows are not just for the bedroom or sofa! Create a cozy nook with several natural floor pillows, bean bags or yoga mats. They encourage movement and play for children, and also make the perfect place to play family board games around the coffee table.
• Throw the blankets – Place them on the sofa or place them in a basket in each room. My kids love the softness of this blanket, but of course the options and styles are endless.
• Choose carpets with deep piles – Choose a warm cozy carpet in which to wrinkle your toes! Even throw one on the back of a chair or sofa.

Create small spaces

Add to this the feeling of hibernation by creating small, cozy spaces in the house.

• Put a canopy on it! – Awnings create a dense space everywhere and in my opinion should not be only for the game room. A sack tent is another way to create a temporary cozy space without the need for hanging.
• Hang a hammock or touch swing – This may sound unconventional, but we add hammocks and swings to children’s bedrooms in the name of their vestibular systems (more on that here), but they are also a place to relax.
• Rearrange the furniture – Place the sofa next to the window for a cozy place with more light or move the furniture closer to each other to create a space for conversation.

Add light and fragrance

Light plays an extremely important role in our sleep / wake cycles and overall hormonal health. Attract all the senses with these touches:

• Light a candle “Nothing beats a real beeswax candle.”
• Himalayan salt lamps – Use salt lamps as soft lighting in the house at night, instead of as light from above. You can even set it on a timer so that it is ready for you when you head to your bedroom at night or wake you up first thing in the morning.
• Solar lamps -Create a cozy place next to a portable light box or two to support the natural process of waking up on these dark winter mornings.
• Run the diffuser – I run essential oil diffusers around the house, especially during this type of year. (But think about safety around pets and children.)
• Make your own natural air freshener – This pumpkin room spray is my favorite to do this time of year.

Bring into nature

Spending time in nature has real health benefits. Create the feeling of being outdoors by importing natural materials such as wood, wicker and even stone.

• Live plants – My living plant wall is my favorite way of hygiene all year round. Houseplants give a little vivacity and color, and also purify the indoor air. If you just want a plant or two, these are my favorite houseplants, safe for children.
• Woven baskets – Baskets in different sizes and shapes around the room are ideal for hiding visual clutter such as toys or winter accessories.
• Free decor – Be creative with interesting twigs, branches and even rocks outside and show them in a bowl or vase. Just make sure your little one can’t pick up and throw stones! 🙂 If you are a cunning type, many of these materials can even be turned into works of art!

Create rituals

One of the most important aspects of hygge is the idea of ​​cohesion, which some would say we don’t get much into in our modern lives. One way to close this division and reconnect with our children is to spend time together. Here are some ideas:

• Light a candle at the same time of day – The act of lighting a candle at the same time every day can be comforting. (If at night, just don’t fall asleep before you turn it off!)
• Turn off the technology -Regularly take time to turn off devices and spend time together without technology. Experts believe that modern technology is causing divisions between children and parents today. We even used a lock box or kitchen safe for our devices to protect family time. (Or, if you have self-control, this is a much more attractive way to achieve the same.)
• Give priority to family meals – Food not only nourishes the body, but can also nourish the soul. Choose healthy recipes (I will list some below) and enjoy cozy food together. Bonus if you can get the kids to help you prepare it.
• Throw it back – Think about how families had fun 150 years ago. They can tell stories, share snacks, read aloud to each other, sing songs, make a puppet show, and so on.
• Invite friends -To have friends is always a good way to get me to write down my to-do list, as I am focused on being a good host. I’m not talking about a fine dinner, but about a simple game or sharing a dessert.
• Add the diary to your bedtime routine – Write down the top 3 things you are grateful for as a family. It doesn’t have to be a fantasy, but even a few minutes build a habit of gratitude and a sense of connection and well-being.
• Improve the rituals you already have – Instead of just watching a movie, build a fortress for pillows and snuggle (or use the idea of ​​a canopy from earlier).

Spending some special time together doesn’t have to be a big deal. Even a small family ritual can make a huge difference in everyone’s mood and sense of connection. Find a complete list of our favorite family traditions here.

Add comfortable foods to the menu

Food has always been a time of connection, socialization and cohesion throughout human history. These recipes are our favorite healthy versions of traditional comfort foods:

• Tangerine Chicken – This healthy recipe tastes good or better than other recipes, but is much healthier.
• Boef Bourguignon – This recipe, inspired by Julia Child, is perfect for a cozy evening.
• Beef Stroganoff – This traditional comfort food is made healthier with cauliflower instead of egg noodles.
• Chili without beans- This delicious recipe takes only a few ingredients, making it a perfect last minute dish.
• Shepherd’s Pie – As an Irish American, the shepherd’s pie is a key element in my family. This one uses healthy cauliflower instead of potatoes.
• Cupcakes with meat – Healthy and attractive for children, this recipe is delicious and inspiring.
• Beef Stroganoff – A healthier intake of one of my favorite comfortable foods from my childhood.
• Slow-cooking ribs- This recipe is made only with honey or molasses instead of sugar.
• Garlic roasted pot – Roasted in a pot is a comfortable food without which many people can not live.
• Gingerbread cookie recipe-A real way to fill the air with the smell of baking and spices.

You can also just share hot drinks such as a cup of tea or hot chocolate.

Add inspiration and order to high traffic areas

Hygge is not just about creating cozy nooks in the side seats. Dealing with the entrance was the biggest player for us, as this is the first place we see when we enter the house, and the place where the most clutter enters. (So ​​many shoes!) Think:

• Use a closed cabinet instead of an open storage space to hide the visual clutter
• Attach an art or inspirational quote that matters to you
• Add a small entrance table with a diffuser for essential oil or a vase of dried flowers

Cultivate peace of mind

Hygge is first and foremost thinking. It’s about slowing down and enjoying every moment just the way it is. While it’s never easy to do, the more we practice it, the easier it will be. Since I can’t always reduce what I have to do (unless I’m giving away a child or two!), I try to focus on the small moments of calm when they occur.

If this seems difficult to you, I recommend that you curl up (in your cozy place for hygiene) with The Daily Stoic, a book I love (or listen to my podcast interview with the author).

What are your favorite simple ways to get comfortable at home? Are you trying to giggle? I would love to hear!